XfinityTV and Equipment

[mmay01]

Hi,

I used to have a regular digital cable box, a small digital converter, 2 vcrs, an A/B switch, and a cable splitter.  That set up worked fine.  However, with the new HD box, HDMI cable, and HD tv, it doesn't seem to work.  I'm willing to jettison the 2nd VCR, but I'd like to connect the other one so I can record on it while watching a different show.

I think what I need to do is:  cable splitter; one cable to small converter then to VCR then to A/B switch.  Other end of cable form splitter to HD box then to A/B switch.  Out from A/B switch to TV.  

My questions:

Would that work?

Do I need an HDMI cable from the HD box to the A/B switch or only from the A/B switch to the TV?

Is there any way to hook up the VCR with the HD box & tv so that I can tape one show while watching another without using the A/B switch and all those cables?  I found one response that said yes but then wandered off into a labyrinth which did me no good.
I am very technologically challenged!  Any assistance greatly appreciated... 

[JayInAlg · Accepted solution]

You do not need a A/B switch.

The line from the VCR would go from the composite video output on the  VCR to one of the composite video inputs on the HDTV using a composite yellow/red/white cable.  The output of the DTA would connect to the RF input on the VCR and the VCR would be tuned to either channel 3 or 4 depending on the little switch on the DTA.

On the DVR side, the HDMI cable would go directly one of the HDMI inputs on the HDTV.  

You would then select the proper video input on the TV to select either the VCR or the DVR.

You might get some reaction from the remotes on both the DTA and the DVR depending on the model of the DVR since the IR codes are the same on DCX and RNG model DVR's.

Your TV has multiple inputs, so it makes it simplier, no need for a A/B switch.

You can still keep the 2nd DTA and 2nd VCR, and the composite video output of the VCR can go to another composite video input on the HDTV.

[mmay01]

Thank you!  That set-up is what I had tried to do, but I was having trouble with the recording---which you addressed with your comment about the remotes interfereing with each other.  So far it appears that if I set it all up as you described, ignore the little remote for the DTA box, and use the big Xfinity remote both to select what I want to record and then to go back to what I want to see---it works!  I don't understand why, but I guess I don't have to.  :-)  I do very much appreciate your assistance.

[mmay01]

Well, I thought I was all set---but I was too optimistic.  I've hooked up the vcr as you suggested, but I believe I'm getting the remote control interference you mentioned.  I go to the little DTA box, select my channel, set the VCR, verify that the channel I want to tape is indeed showing on the screen.  Then I go back to the big box and select the other channel I want to watch.  About 90% of the time, when I go back to look at the tape, the channel has changed, usually to channel 4, sometimes to some other random channel.  Even when I set to tape in the future and don't watch another channel, this happens.

What now?

Thank you!

[JayInAlg]

You will need to separate the distance between the boxes and possibly cover up the DTA's IR window.  On the DTA, you can also add the little IR receiver extender and use that for changing the channel on the VCR, then cover it up so they don't interfere.

It's just not a good situation all around since the IR codes can't be changed so they won't interfere.

[mmay01]

I tried separating them but it didn't occur to me to try covering the window.  I *did* walk over & press the remote control directly at the little box but that didn't do much! 

What is the IR extender?  Where do I get one of those?

If only I could afford to get DVR service I guess my problems would be solved, but I can't, and I have a perfectly good VCR/DVD player.  AH well.  I really appreciate your help!

[JayInAlg]

The remote IR receiver comes with all the DTA kits that has a small round end with a flat back with self stick tape, it has a cord that plugs into the IR receiver port on the back of the DTA.  When it is plugged in, on most DTA's it turns off the fron ir receiver on the DTA, then the one on the end of the cord is used.

Basically it is designed to stick on the front of the TV so the box can be hidden.

You should be able to pick one up at your local Comcast office and give it a try if helps your situation or not.

[mmay01]

Excellent---thanks!  You're a life saver.  Okay, maybe that's a little exreme, but you're definitely a frustration with recording saver!